reConnect - September 2009

Watch out for the new season of Get Involved launching October 4th on TVO. Our new profiles on social innovators and activists will be rolling out, along with a series of promos for our new web application and series Power of the Hour featuring you the volunteers. Thank you to everyone who came out for the open shoot and keep your eyes peeled on TVO to see yourself featured, or check them out online . Also, thank you to everyone who tuned into our 30 minute special this month on TVO. We appreciate your continued support!

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New Features

Power of the Hour - http://www.powerofthehour.ca

In an effort to support NGOs, businesses, groups and individuals dedicated to volunteerism, Get Involved is proud to launch Power of the Hour in partnership with Volunteer Canada and the Corporate Council on Volunteering. Power of the Hour will give everyone the chance to stand up and BE COUNTED, and pledge the POWER OF their volunteer HOURS. From Frankland Public School to Ryan’s Well Foundation, to Home Depot, this is an opportunity for Canadians to beat their breasts and proudly declare their contributions in a fun and engaging way.

This Month

Act:
September's Featured Challenge - Power of the Hour

Get Involved is challenging everyone - from businesses big and small, individuals, schools, and community groups - to stand up and be counted and pledge the power of their volunteer hours. Launching this fall, the Power of the Hour application can help engage employees, assist not-for-profit organizations in tracking volunteer hours and activities, and connect dedicated individuals with others who share their passion to Get Involved! Sign up at www.powerofthehour.ca and let us know how you are making a difference!

Watch:

Starting October 4th, TVO will be premiering a series of 25 new Get Involved documentary profiles showcasing a new generation of activists, innovators and entrepreneurs, all of whom have found unique ways to improve the world around them while adding dimension to their own lives. Featured stories include:

Environmentalist, corporate whistle-blower and Founder of ForestEthics TZEPORAH BERMAN: Upon returning home to B.C. one summer during university, she was moved to act when she realized she had no idea where she was. She resolved to spend the rest of her life campaigning businesses to adapt responsible and sustainable practices to help protect Canada’s remaining forests. Since then she has been able to protect over 7,000,000 acres of forest in B.C. and Chile.

Feminist and activist grandmother, CAROL HOLMES of Oomama’s, a member group of The Stephen Lewis Foundation’s “Grandmothers to Grandmothers” campaign. The group raises awareness and money for the thousands of destitute grandmothers in Africa who are often the only means of support for their AIDS-orphaned grandchildren.


Eleven year-old BILAAL RIJAN; social activist, U.N. Ambassador, author and motivational speaker. Motivated at the age of four to help raise funds to assist victims of an earthquake, Bilaal has since devoted most of his after-school hours to raising awareness of and money for children in need throughout the world.


Connect:

It's been a whirlwind of activity this month and there are so many amazing opportunities to connect and get involved! Looking for an excuse to get outdoors? Volunteer abroad at the Love Kids Orphanage Building project or jump on your bike to support Ottawa's Ride for Refugees. Interested in getting involved with promoting eHealth? Princess Margaret Hospital invites you to help patients with their new Computerized Distress Screening. Also, don't miss Volunteer Toronto's Fun Day at the Toronto Zoo on Tuesday, September 29 from 7:30am to 12 noon! Don't forget to post your skills to find the perfect volunteer match.